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Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

4.0 star property
4-star beach motel with free WiFi

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Photo gallery for Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Living area | LED TV, DVD player
Front of property
Standard Studio | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, electric kettle, cookware/dishes/utensils
Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
44 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson, 7011
  • Place, Natureland Zoo
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Tahunanui Beach Reserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Burrell Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Nelson (NSN)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Studio

Standard Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Studio

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Executive Studio

Executive Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Executive Studio

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit

One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit | Jetted tub

One Bedroom Upstairs Spa Unit

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment

Family Apartment | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Apartment

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit | Jetted tub

One Bedroom Downstairs Spa Unit

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

  • 42 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen

  • 452 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Studio

Superior Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Studio

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Studio, Multiple Beds

Standard Studio, Multiple Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Studio, Multiple Beds

  • 32 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Studio

Deluxe Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Studio

  • 32 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Nelson

Seaside stay .Within a 10-minute walk of this Tahunanui motel, you'll find Burrell Park and Tahunanui Beach Reserve. Natureland Zoo and Nelson Fun Park are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Motels in NelsonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Natureland Zoo - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Tahunanui Beach Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Burrell Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Nelson Fun Park - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Nelson (NSN) - 5 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coupland's Bakeries - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Boat Shed Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sublime Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Coffee On Queen Beached - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel

4-star beach motel with free WiFi
As a guest of Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Nelson motel is smoke free.

  • 11 guestrooms or units
  • 2 buildings
  • Meeting rooms
  • Self-service laundry
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offers 11 air-conditioned accommodations with DVD players and hair dryers. LED televisions are featured in guestrooms. Accommodations at this 4-star motel have kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils.

This Nelson motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Front of property - evening/night
Arrow Motel Apartments
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 94 reviews
$85 nightly
The price is $99
Jan 14 - Jan 15, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Arrow Motel Apartments

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free extended parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Saturday (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Castles Motel
Castles Motel Nelson
Castles Nelson
Castles Motel
Castles Driftwood Motel Nelson
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Motel
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Nelson
Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Motel Nelson

Frequently asked questions

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to the airport?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is 2.3 mi (5-min drive) away from the Nelson (NSN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel.

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 7-minute walk from Tahunanui Beach Reserve. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel offer free breakfast?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel does not offer free breakfast. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel?

This motel offers free self parking and extended parking.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have a pool?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel does not have a pool.

Does Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel to downtown Nelson?

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel is 2.1 mi away from Nelson.

Castles Motel and Driftwood Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 151 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 151 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 151 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 151 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 151 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Lou

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig & Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bed was a bit average, was the o ly thing that let the place down.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Philipa

For the number of rooms, parking is very scarce and tight
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

GLENN

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay. Didn't meet any staff, was texted where my room was, a where the key was. On leaving, I just left the key on the table and closed up the room, if they didn't want to meet me on checkin g, I wasn't meeting them on checkout either.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Disliked: Amenities
Disappointed as I had thought I’d booked a nice night away with my husband… turned out it is an emergency accommodation provider . I’m not a snob and don’t judge people but they should have disclosed this when booking At 300/night I was expecting something nice and romantic … there were kids and families everywhere. I would suggest they include this in their booking information.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
We were informed that some rooms were tenanted for social housing. Thought that it will be ok but turned out to be a bad idea. People from nearby room were fighting at the middle of the night so hard to sleep. No heating inside the main bedroom. To top it all off a big drama played out on the last night- one of the lady owners threw a tantrum, crying and shouting out in the street in front of our room as partner seems to be leaving her. A lot of drama for a week we wanted to spend trying to relax.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Our unit,#15, was good.Had a lounge, seperate kitchen, seperate bathroom and a bedroom. A very cosy unit.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
It was fine for what I needed for just the night but found the room and facilities a little outdated. Nice large room and enjoyed the Sky Sport. Really hand to all food, shops etc
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location to beach and local bars . Traffic noise at night noisey due to being on state highway.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It felt like home in this place - which was important in view of the bad weather outside! The room was cosy.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is dated and not appealing to stay at. Our coach was tattered and torn. One of the beds was comfortable and one was not. There were spider webs around the doors so needs a thorough cleaning.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable room with friendly service
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Close to restaurants and great for groups, garden rooms were good but a little tired but perfect for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

Miguel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff but the studio was disappointing. The decor is dated and the downstairs rooms have no view. It was clean but best for a quick one night stopover rather than a weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

georgina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean and comfortable. Noisy place with traffic. If not used to that its hard to sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jillene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good clean,warm and friendly moteliers.

As this is our 4th time staying at Castles. we really like this place. It is close to where we want to go, Clean and tidy, warm also. The shower water has excellent pressure. Castles is easy to find. Close to several good eatery's, the beach is only minutes away.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful & friendly staff, great location ......
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thoroughly appreciated all the amenities available for one night only. Only dislike is unit being upstsirs for an older senior to walk upstairs prone to having an accident. Well worth recommending motel. Young lady very polite and accommdating when given wrong unit
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
While the unit was reasonable there were cob webs on roof around the walls and spiders were plainly visible
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
First the staff never cleaned our unit for the 3 nights we were there. Run out of toilet paper, towels.,soap,etc.Had to force them to do a basic clean in the end. Sleep on same sheets for all 3 nights. Next is the noise from the road all night long and you could hear people talking in the unit next to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019